We have a 20+ acre natural pond that averages around 7' deep and doesn't have a dam. It's mostly shallower than that and is an oval shape (sort of a bowl so to speak). It's located in South Alabama and water fluctuates around 2' during the year - mainly summer as there are no streams feeding the pond and only the surrounding watershed runoff supplies the water. A massive fish kill occurs every 3-4 yrs, and I'm wondering if there is an aeration system to consider. A large water well has been used in the past to maintain the water level so it doesn't drop during the summer to the tune of 2' mentioned earlier. I believe the oxygen supply from the water well helped but lightening strikes have deterred our enthusiasm to continue to replace the pump. I welcome any thoughts on whether or not an aeration system could help with the fish kills given the depth of the pond. Aeration may also help remove muck and increase depth if I had to guess since the bottom is very soft. Thanks in advance for any input!
Tom, considering REGIONAL aspects. I am in total agreement with Scott (esshup).
Scott manages northern ponds and has freezing temps with ice to contend with. My experience is with Texas ponds with heat and drought to contend with.
In our shallow Texas ponds less than 7-8 ft deep, IMO bottom difffusr membrane systems have a high probability for fish kills, whereas surface aerators introduce max O2 and offer protection against disaster.
From reading northern forum reports, bottom diffuser membrane aerations offer maximum protection for iced over northern ponds, providing O2 in thawed areas.
I have learned from success and failure about aeration in small Texas ponds, as well as to observing how Overton Fisheries handle their aeration on grow-out ponds and hatchery/brood ponds.
I may not be correct, but I believe Todd has removed bottom diffuser systems from hatchery/brood ponds and aerates with tractor mounted paddle wheels devises. In his grow out fishing ponds, I see surface agitators.
I only report on my experience and failures on small ponds so would not try to address best O2 management on a large 20 acres lake.
Based on my experience in Texas hot/drought conditions, bottom diffuser systems in ponds less than 7-8 feet is a waste of money and invitation to fish kills - IMO.
Best of luck
George Glazener
